For a lake in Michigan, researchers have determined that largemouth bass feed on smaller fish, which in turn feed on zooplankton. In 2016, there was 600,000 kg of zooplankton in the lake. In 2017, an accidental runoff of insecticide near the lake caused a 50 percent decline of the zooplankton population in the lake. Assuming 10 percent trophic efficiencies, what is the expected decline in largemouth bass? (a) 1,000 mg.
(b) 1,500 kg.
(c) 2,000 kg.
(d) 3,000 kg.

the expected decline in largemouth bass is 3,000 kg.

Option d) 3,000 kg is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Given the data in the question;

In 2016, there was 600,000 kg of zooplankton in the lake.

In 2017, an accidental runoff of insecticide near the lake caused a 50 percent decline of the zooplankton population in the lake.

Now,

The remaining mass of zooplankton  after the 50% decline will be;

⇒ 600,000 kg zooplankton  × 50%

⇒ 600,000 × 50/100

⇒ 300,000 kg of zooplankton

Now, with 10 percent trophic efficiency;  smaller fish directly feed on zooplankton; decline in smaller fish mass will be;

⇒ 300,000 kg × 10%

⇒ 300,000 × 10/100

⇒  30000 kg

Finally, with 10 percent trophic efficiency, largemouth bash directly feed on smaller fish, so the expected decline in mass of largemouth bash will be;

⇒ 30000 kg × 10%

⇒ 30000 kg × 10/100

⇒ 3,000 kg

Therefore, the expected decline in largemouth bass is 3,000 kg.

Option d) 3,000 kg is the correct answer.